SCRIPTURE READING — LUKE 2:25-32 #
HOPE IN HIM #
Luke 2:28-32 — Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
An elderly man held Jesus in his arms when He was around six weeks old and very little. That strikes me as the kind of mundane activity that one would expect to undertake. It is something that many of us want to do with a small newborn; to hold that bundle of new life close, to hear the breath, to feel the warmth, and to stare into the brilliant, inquiring eyes is something that many of us want to do.
The wise elderly man has great expectations for the helpless infant. This infant will, in some way, bring honour to his nation, Israel. And for all people, he will be the light that guides them out of the darkness. In this world of sin and suffering, He will be the salvation that God has promised, the salvation that is so urgently needed.
The elderly man did not find himself in this position with these ambitions and expectations out of thin air. He had been hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit inside his own heart, and it had inspired him with the faith that he would one day see the Messiah, the King of Israel. In addition, in response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, he went to the temple. And there before him was a baby, an infant.
But Simeon understood everything in an instant. He was well aware that this child was the key to God’s grand rescue operation. He was certain that this helpless baby, who had not yet learned to speak or walk, would in some way be the solution to the most pressing problem facing the world. And even now, that kid is the solution to the problem.
PRAYER #
Lord Jesus, we may not have high aspirations for young infants because we do not anticipate much from them, but we do have hopes and dreams for them. May you keep blessing them as they grow in wisdom and stature. Amen.
